Vice President, Marketing & Communications

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is the nonprofit leading the development and programming of the six-mile Central Delaware River Waterfront, with parks like Spruce Street Harbor Park to the Race Street Pier and the forthcoming Park at Penn’s Landing. We are an innovative organization redefining how cities use public space both in Philadelphia and nationally. We are seeking a Vice President of Marketing and Communications. This position will work closely with Senior Digital Communications Manager, the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, and other DRWC staff members and stakeholders to advance the transformation of the Waterfront into a vibrant, authentic, and essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural and urban fabric.

DRWC is an inclusionary organization that values and promotes diversity in all aspects of its operations. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, handicap, or sexual orientation.

We are currently recruiting for a Vice President, Marketing & Communications to join our team!

Position Description

This position, reporting to the President & CEO, is responsible for developing and executing a cohesive marketing and communications strategy that enhances the organization’s brand, drives engagement, and supports organizational goals. This role involves leading a team to create compelling marketing campaigns, manage public relations, and oversee internal and external communications while acting as the departmental liaison across the organization.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement the overall marketing and communications strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Gain full understanding of all departments, projects, attractions and events so that all factors can be incorporated into planning.
• Conduct market research and analysis to inform strategies and identify growth opportunities.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team consisting of the Senior Digital Communications Manager, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Digital Content Specialist, and the Marketing Specialist.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment within the department and across the organization.

Brand Management:

• Oversee the development and maintenance of brand identity and messaging for the organization and its parks, projects and events.
• Ensure consistency in branding across all channels and platforms.

Marketing Campaigns:

• Design, execute, and evaluate multi-channel marketing campaigns (digital, print, events, etc.) to increase awareness and engagement while driving attendance to help reach organizational goals.
• Utilize data analytics to measure effectiveness and optimize future campaigns.

Public Relations:

• Collaborate with cross-departmental partners to understand potential press-worthy opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with media and stakeholders to enhance the organization’s public profile.
• Develop and manage crisis communication strategies as needed.

Content Creation:

• Oversee the creation of engaging content for various platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Ensure all communications reflect the consistency of the branding and messaging set in place.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments to align marketing efforts with organizational goals and initiatives.
• Engage with external partners and vendors to enhance marketing capabilities and effectiveness.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Create a reporting structure that the team can use to measure and evaluate campaign and optimize or pivot as needed.
• Provide regular reports on marketing and communication performance to senior leadership.
• Analyze trends and metrics to continuously improve strategies and tactics.

Organizational Integration:

• While this role is a management position that will require strategic thinking, an in-depth approach to all facets of the business will be critical for success in this role.
• An on-site presence at events and programs on nights and weekends may be required as needed in order to be fully immersed in all the happenings on the Waterfront that this department is responsible for marketing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in marketing and communications, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Attraction/destination experience a plus.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies.
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, social media, paid media, public relations, and brand management.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Experience with budget management and data analysis.
• Comfort and confidence reporting to and collaborating with executive team.
• Passion for culture, tourism, and destinations in the Philadelphia market.
• Desire to make the Waterfront to be a big part of what makes Philadelphia fun, exciting, and vibrant.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), social media platforms and management software (i.e., Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Sprout Social), and basic understanding of website content management systems. Experience with graphic design programs (Adobe Creative Suite or similar) is a plus.
• Proficient in marketing automation tools and analytics platforms.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset.
• Flexibility and willingness to support a diverse array of initiatives as needs arise.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates will be asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio as part of the application process.